By Zana Tarsi

The 48th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival was held this weekend. Despite Sunday’s activities being cancelled due to severe weather, tens of thousands of people have regularly attended the event over the years. But how did it begin? 

According to the Norwalk Seaport Association and other online sources, the event was first held in 1978, when a group of local citizens started it in an effort to revitalize South Norwalk and celebrate its maritime heritage. It was spearheaded by Shale S. ‘Bud’ Tulin, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who returned to Norwalk and was intrigued by its nautical heritage. 

The first festival was held from Sept. 15 through 17, 1978 and was a huge success. In 1979, the Norwalk Seaport Association was formed and continues to this day to use the Oyster Festival to help finance the maintenance of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse.